Botts Points are raised markers developed by Dr. Elbert Dysart Botts for highways in California. They can be round or square and come in white, yellow, blue, or red. They are used instead of or in addition to painted lines and are easier to see at night. Botts dots are used as lane dividers, to indicate a split in the road, to indicate a motorist is going the wrong way, and around fire hydrants. They are made with a strong epoxy for attachment, but concerns have been raised about their safety. They are not used in areas with a lot of snow.
Botts Points are raised markers used along highways throughout the United States, and especially in California. They were developed by Dr. Elbert Dysart Botts, an engineer employed by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) in the mid-20th century. Botts refined the design of the markers, as well as the epoxy used to attach them, and by 1966 they became standardized markers on highways throughout California.
The design can be round or square, depending on how the Botts dots are used, and can be white, yellow, blue, or red. Markers are used instead of or in addition to the lines painted on the road. Reflective dots are easier to see at night than painted lines, which can be obscured by rain, fog, or mud. In addition, raised pavement markers are used in so-called “rumble strips,” to alert motorists to the fact that they are moving out of their lane or off the road.
White Botts dots are used as lane dividers, delineating different lanes on highways or at the roadside. The yellow versions indicate a split in the road, usually between two-way traffic, while the red markers indicate a motorist is going the wrong way. Blue Botts points are used on the roads around fire hydrants. Pavement markers can be reflective or non-reflective, with non-reflective dots interspersed with reflective versions for better visibility.
The need for some form of elevated highway marker was recognized in the early 1930s, and several different versions were developed. Botts’s invention was unique for several reasons. The first was the materials used, as previous road markers tended to fade and degrade quickly. Botts also developed a strong epoxy for attaching the markers to the road, a safe alternative to nails, which were previously used to attach other types of lane markers.
Over time, the epoxy will eventually wear away and cars will dislodge the Botts spots from the road. As a result, some people have raised concerns about the safety of Botts’ points, as they can be thrown at a very high speed into passing traffic. CalTrans has responded to this concern by investigating the safety of the points and possible Botts alternatives, but the organization seems pleased with Botts’ points, telling motorists that they “will be with us for a long time.”
In areas with a lot of snow, these points are not typically used, because they would be removed by snowplows. If installed, they will be placed in splits in the road, ensuring the top of the marker is level with the road bed so it does not interfere with snowplows.
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